The Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-4 to Germany in the first of the two matches against the hosts played here at Wiesbaden on Tuesday. Youngster Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke (29’) was the lone goal-scorer for India while Nike Lorenz (6’, 59’) and Jette Fleschutz (14’, 43’) scored a brace in Germany’s win.
The hosts began the match on an attacking note, putting India on the back foot at the very beginning. They scored back-to-back goals in the first quarter mounting pressure on India’s defence. Germany’s first goal came off Nike Lorenz’s well-executed PC while the team’s second goal came off a penalty stroke via Jette. Though the visitors tried to bounce back when they were awarded a PC in the 11th minute, the chance could not be converted. However, in the second quarter, the Indian team emerged from the early setback with a well-structured game. While they didn’t allow any goals by Germany, they successfully converted a PC in the 29th minute through Vaishnavi. With the score reading 2-1 at halftime, Germany returned to the pitch with a plan to test the Indian defence. While India lived up to the fight, an infringement by India’s defence while halting the German attack in the circle, saw them concede a PC. Jette made no mistake in converting the opportunity and helping her team extend the lead to 3-1.
